Becoming a dermatologist, matching, our stats, the tea | BENEATH THE BEAUTY EPISODE 2

Hi lovies!! 🎙️ Welcome to Episode 2 of Beneath the Beauty! 🎉✨
In this episode 2, join me, Puneet, and my fellow derm girlie ,Margaret, as we dive deep into the journey of matching into dermatology. We’re pulling back the curtain on our personal apps, the highs and lows of the application process, and what it really takes to secure one of the most competitive specialties in medicine.
From Step scores to research, extracurriculars, and the strategies that worked for us, we’re sharing it all. This episode is packed with tips, advice, and our real thoughts/reflections to help you navigate the Match, whether you’re preparing to apply or just curious about what the process looks like.
Whether you’re a med student dreaming of derm, a current applicant, or just curious about how two derm residents made it here, this episode has something for you.
🔔 Subscribe for more episodes of Beneath the Beauty and be sure to hit the bell icon so you never miss an update!
💬 Let’s hear from you! Drop your Match questions, thoughts, or experiences in the comments below-we’d love to connect!
#BeneathTheBeauty #DermatologyMatch #TwoDermGirlies

[@Mina-A192kha]

Just finished and got so many errands done around my place. I’m applying derm hopefully in 2 years and am bookmarking this to watch again when I’m in the midst of ERAS season. I appreciated what you guys said regarding research years because I really don’t want to have to take one but feel pressured to. Thanks for being the blueprint ❤

[@DermBeautyMD]

aw, this was so cute. From my experience, a research year is definitely not necessary. It's like what Margaret said - you need a combination of competitive things, but not all! Thank you for your sweet words, and the best of luck with your bright future! :)

[@KyraBrowning-q1b]

Puneet as I watched this video, I realized your face has that timeless beauty that is so memorable. Please don’t ever forget that

[@Hananbanana27]

Love this podcast series, I feel like I’m sitting on FT with my girlies 👩‍❤️‍💋‍👩

[@DermBeautyMD]

that's exactly the vibe we love hehe

[@vivianiloabuchi2435]

Love the video! You guys are amazing.

[@Chelssums]

I’m just putting on your videos while I clean my apartment of Christmas decorations. I don’t skip your ads either 😂😂😂

[@WaylonHolman]

Keep the videos coming queen!!!

[@DaisyRichards-q5m]

Thank YOUU peak eras season and crying in the club

[@pikachupals]

❤❤❤❤❤first here! Cannot wait to watch this on my drive ❤❤

[@soumyavytla]

Thank you so much for making this video! I have a quick question about research-does it have to be in the dermatology field? I’m asking because I’m not yet sure which specialty I want to pursue (I’m heading into med school), but I’ve done a lot of neuroscience research during undergrad and my two gap years. Does that pigeonhole me into neuroscience, or would you say it doesn’t matter what type of research you do when it comes to matching into a specific residency program? Thanks again! I’ve been watching you for years, and you’re so inspiring!

[@samiahakhtar7779]

Kaye, you’re the definition of a high value woman ❤

[@DermBeautyMD]

Aw, love youuuu

[@bananabaddie]

thank you both so much for this. i applied to med school this cycle (no responses yet) and derm is my end goal, has been since the day i declared premed 🥺

[@DermBeautyMD]

You got this queen!! The cycle is still early and things can happen, it only takes one school! I love the dedication to derm so early on, its gonna make you an amazing derm one day! Wishing the best for you. Keep us updated!! :)

[@brownieforlyfe]

and where is your necklace from? love it!

[@mijmij8]

loved it! please continue making more

[@DermBeautyMD]

Yes mam!

[@HeidiGreen-i4s]

Will you do makeup tutorials again?? This look is 🔥

[@pikachupals]

I'm looking to match derm but I'm honestly getting scared off by looking at the admission stats

[@DermBeautyMD]

Don't be scared!! The stats honestly appear scarier than they are because of outliers. Those people definitely exist but remember there are high outliers in every variable. A consistent range of performance across the board is all you need!

[@vivianiloabuchi2435]

Wishing I had this idea of sending a prechart document to preceptors ahead of time a month ago 😂

[@AshuM-g3m]

do you have advice on matching with low preclinical grades if we find out later during med school that we like derm?

[@DermBeautyMD]

Trying to make your app stronger in other realms is key. Like I alluded to, I didn't have perfect grades so it reaffirmed I wanted to do my research year. But even more valuable than that, is shining during your aways! Choose your aways wisely and perform your best. That will prevail over any applicant with perfect grades who didn't have that same work ethic or even chemistry with the residents.

[@AshuM-g3m]

thank you so much!! You’re so so helpful. Please consider making a video on how to shine during aways🫶🫶

[@SaraHarris-87]

Will you ever talk about your interview numbers??

[@Somalidoc321]

If you have everything else, step scores, EC’s honors, but only 3-4 pubs with other posters/abstracts can you still match?

[@DermBeautyMD]

I think it's possible if you shine on your away. But I would definitely try to have everything including poster/abstracts add up to 5+ if you can or even 5+ if some things are in review. So I think it's possible but aways are everything!

[@forevr21]

do you know of any IMGs-not necessarily at your workplace but in general in Derm?

[@DermBeautyMD]

Yes! It is rare but the times I have seen it they do research years at the institution they usually match. Specifically the ones I know also are usually already attending dermatologists in other countries who are looking to repeat residency here rather than traditional med school IMGs from the Caribbean/India. Also, I don't think its completely - impossible - but, i think you have to have a very, very strong mentor who vouches for you and has significant pull.

[@ClassyPearl-s1q]

Could I possibly connect with you guys for help with medical school?

[@akshitha6057]

Time stamps pls

[@MaddisonDavies-z3t]

Why is derm so hard to match into?

[@KieranBerry-n5c]

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@brownieforlyfe]

did you write a letter of intent?

[@ubiquitousinfluence]

I can't hear them properly??? Audio is muffled and they are mumbling a bit. Esp Puneet

[@DermBeautyMD]

Oh no :( We did have a mishap with the audio this video but not gonna happen again on our watch.

[@ubiquitousinfluence]

@@DermBeautyMD Puneet could you please do a video on the checklist of things an IMG needs to do in order to Match, things that are optional and things that you need to do to have a realistic chance. That would be so helpful 😭😭

[@mouni24-y8q]

What happened to your Instagram. Why you left mam😢

[@MaxHarris-s1g]

I remember when Reddit was blowing up rip to them

[@PatienceChapman-m5w]

Gorgeous girls

[@NoorL-r5r]

I’m actually annoyed we aren’t besties irl 😭

[@DermBeautyMD]

me too babes😭

[@Camilla-t7t]

the audacity to look that good

[@DermBeautyMD]

thanks queen, we love you